Nearly $1.2 Million Electric Project Planned In Smithfield
SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Continued residential growth is putting additional demand on Smithfield’s electric system, prompting the Town Council to approve a nearly $1.2 million circuit expansion designed to maintain reliable power and avoid overloading the existing system.
The council approved the Kellie Drive Extended Circuit project during its Aug. 18 meeting.
Public Utilities Director Ted Credle said the additional circuit is needed to keep the existing circuit from becoming further burdened as development continues in the area.
Without the additional capacity, Credle said heavy demand could potentially create conditions requiring rolling blackouts during peak usage periods.
The new circuit will help provide reliable electrical service to an area that includes 549 new home sites.
Smithfield previously hired an engineering firm to design the project, with the town purchasing materials separately and contracting out the construction labor.
The total project budget is $1,177,874.
Smithfield had previously budgeted $600,000 for the circuit extension.
To cover the remaining cost, the council authorized up to $577,874 from the town’s Electric Fund balance.
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I’m sorry and maybe I am reading this wrong but as an electrician it seems to say adding MORE circuits, reduces existing circuit demand. That in and of itself could not in any way be more false of a statement
My thoughts exactly this article seems very strange and confusing there’s no sense in the context but it’s more and more money all the time — it seems like Smithfield has a very poor way of conducting estimates. This is the second project that’s more than twice what they estimated. I think they need a better estimation program
It seems a recurring theme, like those who propose some project of whatever say it will only cost this much and shortly after it gets approved the cost skyrockets. take the ballfield scandal. 6mill – approved. 8 months later were sorry but it will be closer to 15 mill, only the first stage will cost 6 mill
Point taken. I think they intended to say that the new circuit would avoid adding more load from the future 500 plus new homes to the existing circuit.
The idea of the Town of Smithfield attempting to manage “rolling blackouts” is amusing. Think about the logistics of such an endeavor 🙃.
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Expect lane closures on Brightleaf Blvd for an extended period.
It would be nice if they would move the poles back while they are at it to leave room for turn lanes.
More people, more houses and more cost .
Exactly right, and the cost is socialized: the developers don’t pay for it, nor do the new home buyers. You pay for the privilege of having more backed up traffic, accidents and crime.
Spot on!! Absolutely the point! I do believe that very development is the one that will be getting extra water project just for it also????
We the people will end up paying for this too.
Unchecked growth: The dream of all governments.